Double Dragon

"Double Dragon" is a beat 'em up video game released in 1987, developed by Technōs Japan and published by Taito for arcades in Asia, North America, and Europe. It is the first title in the "Double Dragon" series. The player character has a repertoire of martial arts techniques that can be performed individually or in combination using the joystick and the three action buttons (kick, jump, and punch). The techniques range from simple punches and kicks to more complex maneuvers such as hair-pulling moves and elbow strikes. When playing with another player, you can assist your partner by grabbing your partner’s opponent from behind. However, caution is advised, as some opponents can do the same to the players. You start the game with a certain number of extra lives and a health bar that decreases when you take hits. If the health bar is empty or the time limit has expired, the player loses a life. There is a small selection of enemy characters that the player encounters throughout the game. Certain enemies carry melee weapons that can be knocked out of their hands and then used against them. Available weapons include baseball bats, whips, throwing knives, and dynamite; in addition, rocks, oil drums, and crates can be found at certain locations. The game is divided into four levels or “missions,” consisting of a city district, a factory, the forest, and the gang’s hideout. The game typically ends when a single player defeats the final boss alone. However, if two players complete the game together, they must fight each other to decide who wins Marian’s affection.